Garlicy Green Beans – Share Our Holiday Table

I am honored to be one of the many bloggers participating in a virtual dinner by Share Our Strength – Share Our Holiday Table to raise awareness about childhood hunger in the United States. For a week bloggers around the country will be setting their virtual tables with holiday dish ideas starting with Appetizers (12/6), Drinks (12/7), Salads (12/8), Soups (12/9), Entrées (12/10), Sides (12/13) and finally Desserts (12/14).

This event really hit home for me. Growing up we didn’t have much money and were brought up to be resourceful not just with money but also with food. I grew up in a family of hunters (not for sport but for survival), so we grew up eating many different types of meat. If it wasn’t for my dad hunting we would have gone with out a lot more often. Our freezer would be stocked with meat from deer, bear, wild boar, turtle and moose amongst others. My mom would make some amazing tasting meals including soups/stews, roasts etc.

Even now we, like many other families struggle to put food on the table some days, but we are making the best of it. Bryan is a huge support and encouragement when I have my mini breakdowns about being so financially strapped right now. I made a meal one night that almost brought me to tears, it wasn’t a horrible meal but it reminded me so much of my childhood I could barely eat it. Do you ever have moments like that? Where a smell or taste brings back such a strong memory?

I am very thankful for programs/organizations such as Food Stamps, The Knights of Columbus and The Elks because they provided many holiday meals and presents for our family. When the holidays came around, our meals were much more traditional with turkey and ham being served instead of the game meats. We had all of the sides to top it off – mashed potatoes, squash, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and my favorite; green bean casserole! I love green beans. I will eat them pretty much anyway – fresh, with almonds, steamed, sautéed in a little sesame oil and chili oil and if you’ve been reading my blog you will have seen the following recipe pop up once or twice already. My garlicy green beans recipe has replaced the green bean casserole on our family table. It is beyond simple and extremely quick to make. Bryan loves it just as much as I do and I even made it for Thanksgiving this year with his family – we received no complaints.

Before I get to the recipe I want to share a little about Share Our Strength No Kid Hungry Program (borrowed from their website):

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign is working to ensure that no child in the United States goes hungry again. One dollar can help connect a child with up to ten healthy meals.

No Kid Hungry™, an unprecedented, five-year effort designed to end childhood hunger in America. Our nation has the food and programs in place to end childhood hunger, but consider what we are up against: The stigmas and embarrassment that surround hunger, the challenges presented by access to healthy food, and the struggle to connect children with the resources they need to thrive. For 25 years, Share Our Strength has been confronting hunger head-on to break down these barriers. Together, with your support, we can put an end to childhood hunger. Will you join us in the No Kid Hungry campaign?

Lightly steam the green beans until bright green yet still crispy (if you get the steam in the bag fresh green beans – found in your produce section, it makes this recipe even easier!!). Drain well. In a medium-large pan melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and stir in the green beans. Toss the green beans so they are all coated in the garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

This side dish is easy, quick, tasty, cost efficient – I really think your family will enjoy it. You can adjust the garlic to your preference and even add some slivered almonds (I would lightly toast them and then toss them in the pan).

Happy Holidays to you and your families. Below is a list of the other bloggers taking part in todays “sides” post – also if you are looking for posts from the previous categories, click HERE(you dont’ want to miss these – so many great recipes have been shared).